Paul the Diplomat

In Ephesus, Paul encounters some believers who claim to be Christians – although upon closer examination it becomes clear that their baptism is in the tradition of John the Baptist, rather than one of the Apostles. With a true missionary’s flexibility and pastoral sensitivity, Paul affirms the essential goodness of the baptism these earnest seekers have received, then rebaptizes them in the name of Christ. The visible manifestation of gifts of the Holy Spirit that follows is a sign to all of the legitimacy of Paul’s apostolic mission.